Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Your Guide

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, one of four presidential memorials, visually dominates the Tidal Basin. The memorial is located at the important southern point of the north-south vista from the White House. This great cross axis of the National Mall established in the 1902 McMillan Plan focuses on five iconic symbols of our nation – the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln and the Thomas Jefferson Memorials. By happy chance, the Washington Monument was not able to be located right at the cross point of the axis as originally planned and thus is part of the view between these icons, instead of obstructing them. Other vistas from the Thomas Jefferson Memorial include the Washington Monument, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Capitol.

Aerial View

The design and organization of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial landscape seen from above. In order to be exactly aligned with the north-south axis to the White House, about four acres of the Tidal Basin needed to be filled in and the sea wall revised.

Image: National Park Service

The Memorial at Night

The Jefferson Memorial reflected in the Tidal Basin by night.

Image: National Park Service

Cherry Blossoms

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial framed by cherry trees.

Image: National Park Service

Cherry Blossom Festival

The White House is visible across the Tidal Basin; visitors enjoy a concert during the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Image: National Park Service

Flooding Walkway

The Tidal Basin currently covers walks twice a day.

Image: American Society of Landscape Architects

A New Walkway

A new walkway was built to replace the walk covered by water twice a day.

Image: American Society of Landscape Architects

Memorial Interior

Visitors enjoy the interior; four lengthy Jefferson quotes are inscribed on the walls.

Image: National Park Service

Statue of Thomas Jefferson

The bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson replaced a plaster version since metals were scarce during WWII when the memorial was built.